Review of Boogie Nights (1997) by Danny R — 01 Aug 2015

Paul Thomas Anderson has marvelously written and directed an extraordinary modern epic masterpiece, that is a compelling drama dealing with the turbulent behind the scenes story of an extended family of pornographers during the mid 70s & early 80s in the San Fernando Valley.

It is also the tale of Eddie Adams, brilliantly played by the versatile Mark Wahlberg, in stunning career-making performance, who is a 17-year-old disaffected youth with a formidable 13 inch sex organ, that helps him become an overnight porn film sensation known as Dirk Digger.

He was a busboy who was discovered working in a disco/ nightclub by an idealistic veteran porn filmmaker & director named Jack Horner, masterfully played by Burt Reynolds, in a brilliant Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winning performance.

Horner truly believes that his films are an art form and along with his new porn superstar Dirk Digger, and the backing of his moneyman partner the Colonel James, played superbly by the late Robert Ridgely, his hardcore empire becomes an enormous success.

But Diggler's rise to fame has its costs, and soon Driggler finds himself addicted to cocaine and involved in crime and violence. The magnificent ensemble cast all give impeccable performances they included Juilanne Moore, John C.

Reilly, Don Cheadle, Heather Graham, the late great Phillip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy, Luis Guzman, Alfred Molina, Ricky Jay, Phillip Baker Hall and Thomas Jane. Slick storytelling with terrific dialogue, thanks to Anderson splendid original screenplay, and exquisite cinematography by Robert Elswit.

The film also features a remarkably nostalgic soundtrack. A provocative and intriguing motion picture, which is quick-witted, richly layered and deliriously entertaining, a must-see! Highly Recommended.